Have you ever felt like no matter how much you check off your to-do list, there’s always an underlying sense of exhaustion, and you find yourself asking these questions: Why am I so tired, even when I’m doing everything I’m supposed to be doing?
Well, no worries, you’re not alone.
In today’s fast-paced world, we often believe that if we just keep pushing a little harder, we’ll finally feel like we’re on top of things. But what if the opposite is true? What if, instead of running ourselves ragged, the key to success is taking a break?
My Personal Journey: From Burnout to Breakthrough
Many years ago, when I first got into the coaching business, my husband Rick would often find me at 1 a.m., still at the computer—answering emails, writing blogs, and tweaking the back end of sales pages. I was constantly full of ideas and energy, juggling work, family, and my personal targets, but what I didn’t realize was that I was running on fumes.
I kept telling myself, “If I just push through this week, I’ll take a break later.” But later never came.
That’s when I realized something had to change. I decided to step away from the international coaching company I was working for, take an aerial view of my life, and reassess what I truly wanted to create.
And in that space, something amazing happened. Ideas and solutions I had been chasing for months began to come effortlessly. I reconnected with my creativity and passion, and I started to understand the power of rest and renewal.
The Myth of Constant Productivity
Our culture glorifies the hustle. From social media to workplace culture, we’re constantly being told that more is better—more work, more hustle, more hours. If we’re not constantly doing, we’re told we’re falling behind.
But here’s the truth: busyness doesn’t lead to fulfillment. It leads to burnout.
When we’re always “on,” we lose touch with our inner wisdom and creativity. Instead of being intentional with our time and energy, we become reactive, simply trying to keep up with the pace. Sound familiar?
Think about the last time you were overwhelmed. Were you able to make your best decisions in that state? Probably not. The truth is, we make better, more thoughtful decisions when we step back and give ourselves the space to breathe.
Shifting from “Doing” to “Being”
So how do we shift from constant “doing” to embracing the art of “being”?
It starts with giving yourself permission to rest. We’ve been conditioned to believe that our worth is tied to our output, but that’s a lie. When we take a break, we’re not just stopping; we’re intentionally slowing down to reconnect with ourselves. We give ourselves the space to check in with our bodies, our minds, and our hearts.
The radical art of taking a break isn’t about laziness—it’s about creating presence. It’s about saying, “I’m worth this time, and I trust that in slowing down, I’m moving forward in a more aligned way.”
How to Integrate Breaks into Your Life
If you’re wondering how to fit breaks into your busy life, here are some practical tips to get started:
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Micro Breaks – Take 5-minute pauses throughout your day to breathe, stretch, or simply step outside. These small moments can shift your energy and mindset.
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Mindful Moments – Bring mindfulness into your breaks. Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and check in with how you’re feeling. This helps you get grounded and clear.
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Set Boundaries – Protect your time. Turn off your phone, log off the computer, and give yourself permission to be off the clock. Boundaries are crucial for mental and emotional health.
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Creative Breaks – Engage in something that lights you up during your break time. Whether it’s journaling, painting, or cooking, find something that sparks joy.
- Unplug – Try a digital detox, even if it’s just for a couple of hours. Without the constant ping of notifications, you’ll find it easier to connect with yourself.
Why Taking a Break Is a Radical Act
Taking a break feels radical because it goes against the grain of what society tells us. But the truth is, taking time to rest and recharge is one of the most powerful things you can do for your well-being and your creativity. It allows you to show up more fully in your life, your work, and your relationships.
When we give ourselves the space to pause, we can come back clearer, more energized, and more aligned with what truly matters.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Rest and Renewal
If you’re feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or simply stuck, consider this your invitation to take a break. Start small. Be intentional. Trust that in giving yourself space to rest, you’re not falling behind—you’re setting yourself up to move forward in a more powerful and aligned way.
Remember, it’s not about having everything figured out right now. It’s about starting where you are, listening to what you need, and taking small steps toward a life that feels more like you.
You’ve got this!
